Anyone who has ever worked outside in the winter or gone skiing, snowboarding, winter camping, ice climbing or mountaineering understands to their core the value of first-class cold weather gear. It’s not a luxury, it’s an absolute necessity. Failing to adequately address the demands of cold weather is a recipe for disaster so here are the 15 best pieces of extreme weather gear for your consideration.

The Best Extreme Cold Weather Gear

1

Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket

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The Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece Jacket will never be mistaken for ski gear, but with some warm thermals underneath and a wool scarf you’re ready to face just about anything the average winter day has in store.

Key Features:

Breathes easy and dries quickly

Generous side pockets

Drawcord hem

Elasticized cuffs

Specification:

BrandColumbia

ModelWM3220

Weight1.05 pounds

Pros

Imminently affordable

A good outer layer on less extreme days

Side pockets are toasty warm

Cons

Quality control is sometimes suspect

2

N-Ferno Thermal Fleece Wind-Resistant Hinged Balaclava

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The balaclava is a winter clothes staple and the N-Ferno Thermal Fleece Hinged Balaclava takes the form to a whole new level of functionality. The unique hinged design allows the wearer to deploy it in a variety of ways to best suit conditions.

Key Features:

Wind protectant panels

Hinged design

Flatlock stitching

Reflective accents

Specification:

BrandErgodyne

Model6823

Weight2.88 ounces

Pros

Total coverage for face, head and neck

A range of deployment options

Wind resistant panels protect vulnerable areas

Cons

Wearing sunglasses can be a challenge

3

Duofold Men’s Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant

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Duofold’s Mid-Weight Wicking Thermal Pant for men is an essential bottom layer that allows you to enjoy comfort and total freedom of movement regardless of the temperature. The dual layer design traps air around your lowers, while the rib-knit cuffs prevent cold air intrusion.

Key Features:

60% cotton 40% polyester

Chaff-free flatlock seams

Chill-blocking rib cuffs

Convenient front fly

Specification:

BrandDuofold

ModelKMW2

Weight11.4 ounce

Pros

Extremely warm

High-quality fabric, layers well

True to size fitting

Cons

A mild tendency to sag

4

GI Extreme Cold Weather Primaloft Pants Urban

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Make no mistake these are genuine military issue winter clothes designed to keep soldiers in the game under the most trying conditions imaginable. They’re a breathable, durable garment wrapped in a wind resistant shell with reinforced knees and full-length side zippers. They’re also highly water resistant.

Key Features:

Primaloft high loft insulation

Nylon reinforced knees

Water resistant shell

Zippered fly

Specification:

BrandPrimaloft

Weight4 pounds

Pros

Keeps you warm during extreme cold snaps

The full length side zipper makes for easy access

Intended to be worn as an outer layer

Cons

With all due respect the military isn’t known for their fashion sense

5

Carhartt Men’s Base Force Super Cold Weather Crewneck Top

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This awesome Carhartt Super Cold Weather Crewneck is fashioned from 100% ring-spun cotton and makes a good second layer to wear over your thermal underwear. Being cotton it’s not outstanding winter apparel by itself but when you pair it with other layers it really shines.

Key Features:

Flatlock seams

FastDry material

Generous drop tail

Odor fighting treatment

Specification:

BrandCarhartt

Model100639

Weight1 pounds

Pros

A great looking pullover you’ll wear by itself

High-quality stitching

Keeps you dry and odor free

Cons

Will need layering help on really cold days

6

Chateau’ Slim Fit Genuine Coyote Fur Trim Jacket

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The Chateau Slim Fit Coyote Fur Trim Jacket is cold weather gear with a decidedly highbrow edge to it. It’s beautifully tailored, comfortable, has an array of pockets inside and out and the goose down will keep you snug down to -15°F; a feat even some mountaineering jackets can’t match.

Key Features:

85% polyester, 15% cotton

Hood trim is genuine coyote fur

Warm down to -15°F

32 ½ inches in length

Specification:

BrandCANADA GOOSE

Model389520

Pros

Extremely warm for an everyday coat

First rate tailoring and materials

Fits true to size

Cons

You’re going to pay for the quality

7

Terramar Thermasilk Glove Liner

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Terramar Thermasilk Glove Liners are sleek, effective hand socks that slip into your existing gloves and turn them into hot pockets. They can be worn with your current work gloves or as a stand-alone winter clothes item. Either way they’re lightweight, affordable cold weather therapy.

Key Features:

100% filament silk liners

ClimaSense treatment

QuickDri Thermoregulation

Machine washable

Specification:

BrandTerramar

ModelS491

Weight0.8 ounces

Pros

Enable use of your mobile device

Inexpensive and effective

Will slip under most gloves

Cons

Easy to lose track of

8

Carhartt Men’s W.P. Waterproof Insulated Glove

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Carhartt produces high-quality lifestyle products for discerning consumers. Their Men’s Waterproof Insulated Glove is a good example of what they do right. There’s a 100% polyester shell, a lining that makes short work of moisture, a durable polyurethane-reinforced palm and a waterproof insert.

Key Features:

Polyester shell and lining

FastDry® moisture wicking technology

Polyurethane palm

Elasticized wrist

Specification:

BrandCarhartt

ModelA511

Weight7.2 ounces

Pros

Effectively waterproof

Do a good job of wicking away moisture

Excellent for hiking

Cons

You’ll need a liner on really cold days

9

Arctic Extreme Heat Trapping Insulated Thermal Socks

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There’s no substitute for a good pair of thermal socks and Arctic Extreme makes some of the best. Their 93% acrylic, 6% polyester, 1% spandex blend stretches when you do, doesn’t irritate and keeps your piggies warm as toast. Essential winter apparel for activities like skating and skiing.

Key Features:

93% acrylic 6% polyester 1% spandex

Soft brushed lining

Machine washable

Less irritating than wool

Specification:

BrandArctic Extreme

Pros

Thick and comfortable

Won’t irritate your skin

Keep your feet nice and dry

Cons

Good for casual wear not for winter camping

10

Kamik Men’s Greenbay Cold-Weather Boot

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Kamik’s Greenbay Cold-Weather Boot has a built in 600 denier waterproof gator, rubber outsoles and a removable liner that excels at moisture wicking. The boot is rated to -40°F which is about as cold as it ever gets in the lower 48 and tips the scales at a remarkably svelte 31 ounces.

Key Features:

600 denier waterproof Nylon

Hook/loop midfoot strap

Synthetic rubber sole

Thermal guard liner rated to -40°F

Specification:

BrandKamik

ModelGREENBAY4-M

Weight1 pounds

Pros

Lightweight and extremely warm

Thermal Guard liner is easily removed

Drawstring at crest of gator

Cons

Remains a bit stiff even after repeated use

11

Hyke & Byke Goose Down Sleeping Bag

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If you’re hiking and camping in the winter nothing short of genuine goose down will do for your warm sleeping bag. The Hyke and Byke Goose Down Sleeping Bag is filled with genuine goose down, has a 20D ripstop nylon shell, compresses down to a miniscule 10 x 7 inches and weighs less than 3 pounds.

Key Features:

Heavy duty YKK Zipper

400T ripstop nylon shell

90/10 premium goose down fill

Available in various lengths

Specification:

BrandHyke & Byke

Pros

Extremely light and easy to carry

Stuffs down to a microscopic 10 x 7 inches

Company donates 10% of profits

Cons

Some of the stitching is suspect

12

Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets

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The primary purpose of the Swiss Safe Emergency Mylar Thermal Blanket is to help you stay warm. But it also has a dozen other uses including portable shelter, trail marker, rain poncho, ground cover, wind block, emergency shade and more.

Key Features:

Retains up to 90% of body heat

Can be used as rain protection

Pack of 4

Money back guarantee

Specification:

BrandSwiss Safe

Weight9.9 ounces

Pros

Fulfills an array of emergency needs

Provides complete coverage

Light as a feather

Cons

Fabric is not exactly robust

13

FREEMOVE Hydration Water Bladder Pocket

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Hiking requires far more water than if you’re sedentary and the amount grows exponentially on hot days. This also true for cold days. Water is needed for any activity where your body temperature can vary. What you need is a way to bring the water with you other than plastic bottles. That’s where hydropacks come in. The FREEMOVE Hydration Water Pocket facilitates survival by accommodating any sized bladder up to 2L.

Key Features:

Water resistant shell

Compatible with most backpacks

Strong top handle

Velcro closure

Specification:

BrandFREEMOVE

Weight0.6 ounces

Pros

Lightweight insulation prevents freezing

Fits any hydration pack up to 2 liters

Can be used to transport food stuffs

Cons

Limited usefulness in brutal cold

14

Oakley Flight Deck XM Snow Goggles

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The Oakley Flight Deck XM Snow Goggles are simple in design and construction. Their Prizm lenses effectively eliminate glare and relieve stress on your eyes caused by reflected sunlight. They also have an anti-fog coating and are compatible with most prescription eyewear.

Key Features:

Ridge lock lenses

F3 anti-fog coating

Will slip over most contemporary glasses

Adjustable headband

Specification:

BrandOakley

ModelOO7064-68

Weight8.8 ounces

Pros

Will prevent snow blindness

Great for skiing or snowboarding

Fully adjustable for a perfect fit

Cons

Pretty easy to scratch

15

ABUSA Genuine Sheepskin Insoles Men’s & Women’s

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The difference between comfortable feet and cold feet is often just a matter of details like having your boots laced properly or making sure you wear ABUSA insoles. ABUSA Insoles are 100% wool fleece, ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and wick away moisture like nobody’s business.

Key Features:

Ergonomically designed

Superior warmth and comfort

100% Australian lambswool

Great for UGG boots

Specification:

BrandABUSA

Weight3.36 ounces

Pros

Easy to use, easy to enjoy

Increases warmth of your footwear

True to size fitting

Cons

Can’t trim them without ruining them

Extreme Cold Weather Gear Buyer’s Guide

Features to Look For/Things to Keep in Mind When Selecting Extreme Cold Weather Gear:

The Activity - Making sure you purchase winter clothes that are compatible with your activity is crucial. For instance, there are plenty of cold weather boots out there but if you’re going winter mountaineering you’re going to need a very specific type of crampon-compatible boot.

Type of Protection - Winter gear should offer robust protection from extreme cold. But there are other types of protection as well like protection from reflected sunlight that could cause snow blindness and from biting north wind that could cause hypothermia.

Materials - When it comes to extreme cold weather gear you’re dealing with materials that seldom see the light of day during the summer months. That includes lambswool, goose down and Thinsulate as well as polyester, polypropylene, nylon, spandex, and GORE-TEX.

Durability - Winter wear tends to be subjected to enormous stresses and so the quality of the stitching involved will go a long way toward determining the durability of the garment, shoes, gloves or other items.

Comfort - When it comes to extreme cold weather gear comfort is a function of effective layering. It all starts with the right base layer and then builds from there. You’ll want each layer to be as light as possible and fairly easy to remove and stow should you begin to overheat.

Weight - If you don’t choose your cold weather gear wisely the weight of all your layers is going to feel like an anchor. Effective lightweight winter gear is going to cost you more but in the long run, it’s well worth it.

Breathability - Effective cold weather gear traps a lot of heat and moisture and if your layering system is not composed of breathable materials that warm, moist stew is going to fester and create noxious odors while undermining comfort.

Cold Weather Gear FAQ

Q: Importance of Layering - Why dress in layers?

A: Layering allows you to effectively regulate your comfort level by adding and removing items to fit changing conditions. Those who don’t dress in layers typically either wind up overheating or freezing. In most cases, you’ll want a 3 layer system which, at its simplest, is composed of a base layer of thermal underwear, a middle layer such as a sweater and an outer layer typically composed of a well-insulated jacket or coat that also serves as a windbreak or rain shell.

Q: Can too many layers make you colder?

A: While more layers of winter clothes won’t necessarily make you colder by themselves they could result in a situation where you have difficulty regulating your temperature. Also, too many warm clothes can hinder mobility which could endanger you in situations that require technical climbing.

Q: How do you raise your body temperature?

A: Nothing warms you up like moving and few things are more dangerous during really cold weather than standing or sitting still. Even if you dress in layers of polypropylene, wool and down if you sit still your heat will slowly be siphoned off, and then you’re in big trouble.

Q: What are the symptoms of low body temperature?

A: Low body temperature or ‘hypothermia’ is a life-threatening condition which typically occurs when someone has been exposed to serious cold for a prolonged period of time. Symptoms of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, inability to make a decision, shallow breathing, slurred speech, stumbling, weak pulse and unconsciousness (in severe cases).